AMWAY CANADIAN CHAMPIONSHIP
THE VOYAGEURS CUP FINAL
WHITECAPS FC vs. MONTREAL IMPACT
2nd Leg (2-2 Aggregate)
7:00 PM, WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26, 2015
B.C. PLACE, VANCOUVER, B.C.
(SPORTSNET ONE, TSN RADIO 1410)
WHITECAPS FC & MLS NEWS
Vancouver Whitecaps vs. Montreal Impact | Canadian Championship Match Preview – MLS
With two crucial away goals and home-field advantage for the decisive second leg of the Canadian Championship on Wednesday at BC Place, the Vancouver Whitecaps may seem on course to lift their first Voyageurs Cup. But the ‘Caps have been here before, and it hasn’t ended well.
Coaches expect exciting Canadian Championship finale – Goal
The forecast for the Canadian Championship final, second leg, is a wide open and exciting contest – if the head coaches of holders Montreal Impact and second-leg hosts Vancouver Whitecaps FC are to be believed.
Whitecaps focused on Voyageurs Cup despite disappointment of not facing Drogba – Canada.com
Didier Drogba’s toe injury snuffed out the opportunity to face a legend, but the Vancouver Whitecaps still have a chance to make history in Wednesday’s second leg of the Amway Canadian Championship final.
Whitecaps brush off talk of Voyageurs Cup curse – Sportsnet
Another year, and another chance for the Vancouver Whitecaps to win a Canadian Championship. On Wednesday, the ‘Caps will have a chance to claim their first-ever Voyageurs Cup trophy, as the side hosts the Montreal Impact in the second leg of the Amway Canadian Championship final.
Whitecaps should get domestic for ACC final – The Province
Carl Robinson, the Whitecaps’ Welsh coach, was asked if he feels any pressure to play Canadians in Wednesday’s Canadian final against the Montreal Impact at B.C. Place. His response?
More than a trophy at stake for Whitecaps – 24 Hours
What’s in a win? There could be a lot at stake for Vancouver Whitecaps FC if they can beat the Montreal Impact in the second leg of the Amway Canadian Championship on Wednesday.
Impact plays in Vancouver for second leg of Canadian Championship finals – Montreal Impact
The winner of the two legged aggregate goal series will take home the Voyageurs Cup and represent Canada at the 2016/2017 CONCACAF Champions League. “All the excitement that was created this year with our Champions League run started with our Canadian Championship last year,” explained defender Wandrille Lefèvre. “So to get there again, we have to win the title again this year. With a 2-2 draw in the first game, our goal is clear, we need to go there and win.”
Turf war will keep Drogba out of BC Place – Canada.com
There won’t be any Drogba drama at BC Place on Wednesday. Toe-ld you so, say the cynics. And what’s going to happen a month from now when New York City FC is due in Vancouver to face the Whitecaps? Will Pirlo pirouette away from the plastic grass? Will Lampard come up lame days before the match? A field of dreams it isn’t down there on False Creek. In this case, the operative phrase is this: Lay it without real roots and they won’t come.
Didier Drogba’s Vancouver no-show latest kick in the grass – Vancouver Sun
It’s a toe. That’s the Montreal Impact’s story and they’re sticking to it. But it’s still a foot to the seat of the pants for soccer fans in Vancouver. In the days before Wednesday’s Canadian Championship final, before what could be a historic night for the Vancouver Whitecaps at BC Place against an Impact side that four months ago nearly became the first Major League Soccer team to win the CONCACAF Champions League, the player everyone talked about isn’t even here.
Three storylines for today’s Cup Final clash with Montreal Impact at BC Place – Whitecaps FC
Carl Robinson’s ‘Caps have a chance to make history tonight as they get ready to face Montreal Impact in the decisive second leg of the Amway Canadian Championship Final at BC Place. Here are three storylines to get you set for the match.
The Evolution of Kekuta Manneh – Eighty-Six Forever
At 20 years of age, Kekuta Manneh is still a young footballer, with plenty of time and opportunity to continue growing. Although he has plenty of growth remaining, this season Kekuta has shown a huge jump in his level of play and understanding of the game, and that deserves recognition.
Koffie is a steadying presence at midfield – Vancouver Sun
Gershon Koffie, who scored a cracker of a goal from distance back in late May, barely shows up on the basic offensive stat sheet these days — nothing but a row of zeros recorded under goals, assists and shots on goal in 10 consecutive starts. But the Vancouver Whitecaps’ soft-spoken, hard-tackling midfielder has become as indispensable as any of head coach Carl Robinson’s regulars.
CD Olimpia vs. Seattle Sounders | CONCACAF Champions League Match Preview – MLS
Last Wednesday’s CONCACAF Champions League Group F matchup between the Seattle Sounders and Honduran side Olimpia certainly wasn’t lacking in late-game theatrics, with the Sounders nabbing a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory on the strength of an Erik Friberg equalizer in the 90th minute and a Brad Evans penalty kick in the final moments of stoppage time.
Champions League: DC United businesslike after unfussy defeat of spirited minnows Montego Bay – MLS
It’d be difficult to find two teams in CONCACAF more dissimilar than D.C. United and Montego Bay United FC. United are MLS originals, sitting pretty atop the Eastern Conference two-thirds of the way through their season. Montego Bay are regional minnows, a cash-strapped bunch who leaned on supporters, friends and family just to make it to RFK Stadium at all on Tuesday. They’ve also yet to play a league match this season.
Homegrown defender Matt Miazga making good on his potential in third season with New York Red Bulls – MLS
Growing up, Miazga wasn’t interested in joining the neighborhood kids in other sports – one look at this home run swing goal celebration from the Red Bulls’ win at Yankee Stadium would tell you as much. The first-generation American was always drawn to the world’s game, first learning the sport in his backyard in in Clifton, New Jersey. Now the 20-year-old plays just up the road at Red Bull Arena, where he’s become a mainstay in the center of New York’s back line with 19 appearances – including 17 starts – this year.
Sky Sports’ Geoff Shreeves takes in LA Galaxy’s victory over New York FC – Sky Sports
They say that Britain and America are divided by a common language. After my trip to Los Angeles I would say the same about football and soccer. I was astonished by the differences in the same game.
VIDEO: CONCACAF Beyond the Pitch documentary examines the Portland Timbers & Thorns FC – Portland Timbers
CONCACAF, the regional soccer body for North and Central America, came to meet with the Portland Timbers and Thorns FC to learn about the day-to-day operations of the club and two teams as part of their “Beyond The Pitch” documentary series.
Direct and to the Point – Jon Townsend, Far Post Footy
When I was ten years old, the soccer we played was defined by short passing and individual competence. After all, most of what we played was on Californian pavement with defiant weeds poking through the cracks. We played nearly every day either informally or with an organized team and from what I remember both environments necessitated players be skilled the ball, tough in the tackle, quick in transition, and somewhat ruthless in victory and defeat — at ten years old.
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BC SOCCER NEWS
Women’s World Cup revenue to exceed expectations: province – Vancity Buzz
The B.C. government said in a release that the Women’s World Cup will exceed revenue expectations. Original figures suggested the games would generate $52 million in economic benefits for the province, but the government said the numbers will be higher when they are announced in the coming weeks.
Late goal pushes UBC past Western Washington – UBC
The UBC Thunderbirds men’s soccer team earned its first win of the preseason with a 2-1 victory over the host Western Washington Vikings in Bellingham, Wash., on Tuesday afternoon.
Cascades women’s soccer team wraps up preseason trip with three straight wins – UFV
The University of the Fraser Valley women’s soccer team’s experience and skill shone through on a preseason road trip to Oregon.
UNBC Women’s soccer team kicking into gear – Prince George Citizen
Tianna Rossi’s expectations for her soccer team this season are high. “I don’t see any reason why we can’t make the playoffs,” said the sophomore midfielder with the UNBC women’s soccer side. “We should be a force to be reckoned with.”
VISL Posts Divisions and Schedules – VISL
Division 1 kicks off Sept.11 with Gorge FC vs. Saanich Fusion FC.
MWSL Posts Winter Season Schedule – MWSL
Metro Women’s Soccer League launches the Winter Season for its 14 Divisions on Sept.11.
Whitecaps FC add Jason Thompson as Okanagan Academy Centre assistant coach – Whitecaps FC
Vancouver Whitecaps FC announced on Monday the hiring of Jason Thompson as assistant coach alongside David Broadhurst at the Whitecaps FC Okanagan Academy Centre.
FIFA 16 for Playstation 4 Arrives September 22! Pre-Order Now and Save.
CANADA SOCCER NEWS
Canada builds identification process for U-20 program – CSA
On the road to the FIFA U-20 World Cup Korea Republic 2017, Canada Soccer is deepening its talent pool through an identification camp with League1 Ontario. The four-day camp will precede an upcoming national U-20 camp for 1997-born players in the first week of September.
Canada Soccer brings League1 Ontario players into identification camp – OSA
On the road to the FIFA U-20 World Cup Korea Republic 2017, Canada Soccer is deepening its talent pool through an identification camp with League1 Ontario. The four-day camp will precede an upcoming national U-20 camp for 1997-born players in the first week of September.
What you need to know about OPDL Trials – OSA
As the OPDL begins to work on the framework for the 2016 season, OPDL License Holders will begin Trial Process for players born in 2001, 2002 and 2003 on both genders. As a standard based league, the OPDL has also established Trial standards and guidelines for OPDL License Holders similar to standards applied on Game Day, Operations and Technical aspects of the league.
Larin hungry for success with club and country – Red Nation Online
By all accounts, Cyle Larin’s first year as a professional player in Major League Soccer has been a major success story. The 20 year old Brampton, Ontario native has quickly established himself as a key starter for his club Orlando City SC and he is already the consensus pick for the 2015 Major League Soccer Rookie of the Year award, even considering the fact that there is still a decent chunk of the season left to play.
FIFA 16 for Xbox One is coming September 22! Pre-Order Now and Save.
WOMEN’S SOCCER NEWS
Reign FC can be NWSL’s Agents of Shield once again on Wednesday – Prost Amerika
The Seattle Reign FC return home to The MODA Pitch at Memorial Stadium (aka Fortress Memorial) on Wednesday evening August 26 with an opportunity to clinch the NWSL Shield for the second consecutive season.
REIGN FC KIM LITTLE VOTED NWSL PLAYER OF THE WEEK – NWSL
Seattle Reign FC midfielder Kim Little was voted the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) Player of the Week by the media for Week 19 of the 2015 NWSL season. Little, 25, recorded her first ever NWSL hat trick as she carried the Reign to a 3-0 victory on the road against the Houston Dash on Friday night at BBVA Compass Stadium in Houston, Texas.
USWNT’s Van Hollebeke retiring to begin medical school – The Equalizer
Rachel Van Hollebeke announced she will retire from professional and international soccer to begin medical school at the end of the month. Van Hollebeke will make herself available for the Thorns in their final games, but will leave Portland to begin medical school at the University of California, San Diego.
Sinead Farrelly has what it takes to make U.S. team – Delco Times
At 25, the Haverford native is a prime candidate to feature in the inevitable generational shift from the veteran squad that lifted the cup in Canada. She’s run the gamut of youth national teams, from age 15-23. In her second campaign in Portland, she’s become one of the Thorns’ most consistent pieces and one of the most prominent names hovering on the national-team periphery.
National Women’s Soccer League Tries to Ride World Cup Momentum – SI for Kids
Jess Fishlock leaped into the air. Her fist rose to the gray Seattle sky as rain poured down in sheets. A roar erupted from the Reign record 6,300 fans gathered at Memorial Stadium to celebrate the first goal of the match scored by the home side. This was the key moment when the balance shifted in the Reign’s National Women’s Soccer League match against the rival Portland Thorns on July 26, a 3-0 win for Seattle.
Q+A with Lotta Schelin: Sights set on UWCL title – The Equalizer
Lotta Schelin is entering her eighth season in France with Olympique Lyonnais. Last season, Schelin led Division 1 Feminine with 33 goals as Lyon won the league championship with a perfect 22-0-0 record. The reminder of the year for Schelin hit a blip with Sweden under-performing at the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup. A formation and tactical change added to Sweden’s poor performance, which ended with a round-of-16 exit to Germany.
Congresswoman Speier’s Gender Equality Summit: Title IX For Pro Sports? – Vice Sports
“There’s a reason why we have Title IX, which is now over forty years old,” California Congresswoman Jackie Speier said in an interview today. “There’s a reason why we put the spotlight on inequality that exists in women participating in sports.” Now Speier wants to focus that spotlight on the world of professional sports, starting with a summit on gender inequality this Wednesday, August 25, at Mercy High School in her home district of San Francisco.
In Iran, a Women’s Soccer Revolution – Wall Street Journal
In a country where women aren’t allowed to attend soccer games, the sport is taking off at the youth level—in part thanks to an Iranian-American.
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NASL NEWS
Playoffs within sight as Eddies hit midway mark of Fall Season – FC Edmonton
The North American Soccer League (NASL) Fall Season officially hit the halfway point for FC Edmonton (4-3-3) following Aug. 23’s match versus Fort Lauderdale Strikers. Halfway through the Fall campaign, the Eddies are just on the outside of the NASL playoff picture after solidifying their defence while continuing to produce goals at high rate.
Countdown: Ottawa Fury vs New York Cosmos – Red Nation Online
Ottawa Fury will host NASL Spring Season Champions New York Cosmos on Wednesday evening in what will be a clash between the two hottest clubs in the NASL. The Fury have never managed to earn a win vs New York in their previous meetings, however Fury have never played the level of football vs New York that they have been playing in recent matches.
Goalkeeper Coach Bruce Grobbelaar Helps Elevate Ottawa Fury FC – Ottawa Fury
With the day’s training over, Bruce Grobbelaar, Ottawa Fury FC’s goalkeeper coach, was in the process of clearing the decks ahead of his next big task – watching one of his former clubs, Liverpool, take on Arsenal in a Monday matinee from Emirates Stadium in London. Funny thing is, the well-traveled goalkeeper from Zimbabwe with a résumé stretching back more than 40 years wasn’t recognized by Ottawa head coach Marc dos Santos at first. During the initial conversation, dos Santos was told it was a goalkeeper named Bruce from Cornerbrook, Newfoundland.
Lawsuit alleges Tampa Bay owner Bill Edwards drained mortgage company – Tamp Bay Times
The plaintiffs — the U.S. Department of Justice and two mortgage brokers — stated in a court filing last week that Edwards made the financial moves to help shield the money in the event that he and his company lose the lawsuit, allegations Edwards’ attorney described as baseless.
USL NEWS
Club-Record Crowd Sees Louisville Down Orlando – USL
An historic night at Louisville Slugger Field was made even more special as the record crowd of 9,434 fans saw the Louisville City FC come away with a 3-1 victory against Major League Soccer’s Orlando City SC
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WORLD SOCCER NEWS
Valencia, Malmo advance in CL play – TSN
Valencia lost 2-1 at Monaco but advanced to the Champions League group phase on a 4-3 aggregate score Tuesday, while Swedish side Malmo rallied to oust Celtic in their playoff.
Valencia become fifth Spanish team in Champions League – BBC Sport
Spain became the first nation to have five teams qualify for the Champions League group stages as Valencia beat Monaco in a qualifying play-off.
Champions League: Celtic weakness cruelly exposed in defeat – BBC Sport
In the minutes after Celtic’s lame exit from the Champions League, the mixed zone at the Swedbank Stadium was like a hospital ward for damaged footballers.
Preview: Wednesday’s Champions League play-offs – UEFA
BATE Borisov, Lazio, Manchester United, Sporting CP and, seeking to be the first Kazakhstani club to reach the group stage, Astana hold leads going into Wednesday’s second legs.
Barcelona president on transfer rumors: We plan to keep Neymar ‘five or 10 years more’ – Washington Post
Josep Bartomeu said he plans to start negotiating a lengthy contract extension with the Brazilian star amid Manchester United rumors.
Will the Premier League’s skyrocketing wealth ruin the European game? – Paste Soccer
Every fan knows that in European domestic football there is a hierarchy, with the super wealthy clubs on top and those struggling to make ends meet near the bottom. Nowhere is this enormous wealth gap more pronounced than in the English Premier League, where of the forty-seven teams that have competed in it since its inception in 1992, only five have won the title.
Union Berlin fans plan 15-minute silence in protest at RB Leipzig’s spending – The Guardian
Fans of the German second division club Union Berlin are planning a 15-minute silence at the start of their home game against RB Leipzig on Friday to protest against their big-spending opponents, who are backed by the energy drink maker Red Bull.
Manchester United’s Marouane Fellaini handed striking role by Louis van Gaal – The Guardian
Louis van Gaal will use Marouane Fellaini as a striker this season and the Manchester United manager believes the erstwhile midfielder can be dangerous as the main forward or in the No10 role.
Steven Gerrard will be Liverpool manager one day, says LA Galaxy boss Bruce Arena – The Independent
LA Galaxy manager Bruce Arena has hinted Steven Gerrard will return to manage Liverpool when he leaves Major League Soccer.
Mario Balotelli set for Italian air force-style behaviour clause in Milan contract – The Guardian
Mario Balotelli will have a good behaviour clause inserted into his contract with Milan which will ban extravagant haircuts and clothing and commit him to a healthy lifestyle.
Manchester United fans join campaign for inquiry into West Ham’s Olympic Stadium move as petition gets more than 22,000 signatures – Evening Standard
The east London club will play their home fixtures at the ground, which has a capacity of 54,000, from the start of next season but rival supporters have voiced their concern following claims made in a BBC documentary that the majority of the stadium’s running costs will not be met by the club.
FIFA Monitoring Committee Israel-Palestine holds first meeting in Zurich – FIFA
The FIFA Monitoring Committee Israel-Palestine, comprising representatives from the Israel Football Association (IFA) and the Palestinian Football Association (PFA) led by their respective presidents Ofer Eini and Jibril Rajoub, held its first meeting today at the Home of FIFA in Zurich, under the chairmanship of Tokyo Sexwale and in the presence of FIFA President Blatter.
Chung blasts FIFA again for leaks, lies and election manipulation – Inside World Football
FIFA presidential contender Chung Mong-Joon, whose candidacy is in danger of hitting the buffers before it has hardly taken off, has issued a damning and defiant indictment of the entire election process as he tries to grab the moral high ground in the face of persistent speculation about his past.
Alain Perrin’s marvellous record a game changer for football in China – ESPN FC
Marseille against Monaco and Portsmouth versus Southampton are among the fierce derby games that Alain Perrin has experienced first hand, but next Thursday, his coaching journey will take him to a whole new level when his China side host Hong Kong in an AFC 2018 World Cup qualifier.
Uruguayan player throws himself off stretcher to waste more time – ESPN FC
As Juventud continued to hang on for their lives, forward Matias Alonso decided to eat up a bit of time by faking an injury and proceeded to hit the deck with a phantom cramp. The medical cart duly came out onto the pitch to escort Alonso to the touchline but, having obviously decided that the treatment had been too swift, the Juventud attacker purposefully threw himself off the stretcher to waste a few more precious seconds.